The Canada Remembers bed at the Veterans Memorial Garden was first established in 2005 during the Year of the Veteran. In the summer of 2024, due to QEII construction, the bed was moved to its new home on Veterans Memorial Lane, in front of the VMB Cenotaph. Now located outside of the garden’s fence, it is easily visible to the public. Photo credit: contributed.
Growing through change, standing strong for heroes
The soft sounds of the Robertson Poppy Fountain, the rustling leaves of cherry trees, and the bright colours of blooming flowers make the Veterans Memorial Garden a calming retreat. For 20 years, it’s been a place of healing and serenity for the 175 residents of the Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Building at the QEII Health Sciences Centre.
“It's just a really lovely place to gather with family and friends,” says Heather White, director of Veterans Services at Camp Hill. “Veterans enjoy everything from socializing over games and gardening to listening to live music in the garden. There’s something special for everyone.”
However, the garden is undergoing changes due to a multi-year expansion project at the QEII’s Halifax Infirmary site. While the garden will experience temporary reductions in space, services will continue uninterrupted.
Parts of the garden will be temporarily reduced in size and some mature trees will need to be removed. Despite these adjustments, services and access will continue without disruption.
“We’re excited to see the redevelopment happen, as this expansion to the QEII will bring many benefits,” says Heather.
“We are working hard to mitigate the impact on veterans and ensure the space remains a beautiful, peaceful sanctuary for residents now and throughout the construction.”
Heather acknowledges it’s been a balancing act. Some trees planted in honour of veterans will need to be removed, but the team has worked to replant much of the affected plant material, creating new large flower beds with the rescued greenery.
Preserving the garden’s legacy has been a community effort, including partnering with individuals who are invested wholeheartedly.
Full Circle Wood Products, a veteran-owned company, is helping ensure the garden’s legacy is honoured by repurposing removed trees into meaningful installations, such as benches, shade structures and artwork that reflect the deep respect for the veterans to whom these trees were dedicated.
“As a veteran, this project is special to me,” says Full Circle Wood Products owner, Gordon Power. “It was my first big job after transitioning out of the military and it’s tied into supporting veterans in a meaningful way,” adds Gordon.
“I’ve volunteered at the memorial garden several times over the past 10 to 12 years, so this project really hit home for me.”
Heather also notes that preserving the garden is a community effort.
“We are feeling very grateful,” she says, acknowledging the collaborative spirit.
“It was very important for us to preserve as much of the plant and tree materials as possible throughout this project, so we are really grateful to Full Circle Wood, our garden committee, and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) military volunteers for their efforts.”
The Halifax Mooseheads have supported the Veterans Memorial Garden for two decades. Through their annual Department of National Defence Appreciation Night, they have raised significant funds.
“Since 2008, the Mooseheads have raised $271,000 thanks to their fans who support the raffles and jersey auctions,” says Missy Sonier, corporate services manager for Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), who volunteers alongside the sports team.
The funds have supported various projects, including a new wheelchair-accessible activity pad in 2023, allowing veterans to engage in outdoor activities.
“The Mooseheads’ fan base has been incredibly generous. The community really comes together to support veterans through these initiatives and it’s heartwarming to see,” says Missy, who is the daughter of a Second World War veteran.
The Veterans Memorial Garden is also a critical resource for veterans’ well-being. Its wheelchair-accessible paths, vibrant flower beds and shaded seating offer a tranquil space for relaxation and reflection.
The Robertson Poppy Fountain peeks through bright, blooming flower beds across the garden. Photo credit: QEII Foundation.
“I’ve seen so many veterans turn their faces to the sun, smiling as they walk through the garden,” says Heather. “Being out in nature, listening to music, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment has such a healing impact on them.”
Events like strawberry socials, music concerts and Remembrance Day services further enrich the experience.
In addition to volunteers, local businesses and donations from sports teams, the services and maintenance of the garden are made possible by everyday donors who generously give to the QEII Foundation.
“The garden only came to be because of visionary donors and that’s how it continues to thrive,” says Heather. “We are so grateful for the support we have from the QEII Foundation and the many individuals and community organizations.”
The Veterans Memorial Garden stands as a testament to the resilience and support of the community. The garden will continue to flourish, providing a sanctuary for veterans for generations to come.
To help maintain the garden’s upkeep and ensure it remains a cherished resource for veterans, visit QE2Foundation.ca/donate.